STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl announces the Cost of Hope DLC.

Developer GSC Game World has officially announced the latest expansion, titled Cost of Hope, for the post-apocalyptic survival blockbuster STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl.

In the Cost of Hope expansion, players will once again take on the role of Skif, the protagonist of the original game, to navigate the events unfolding parallel to those in Heart of Chornobyl. Immediately after installing the DLC, a mysterious signal on the PDA will trigger a completely new story quest chain. As is traditional in the series, every decision the player makes will shape the subsequent events, leading to consequences that could shake not only The Zone but far beyond.

The core of the expansion will revolve around a new chapter in the classic conflict between two powerful factions. On one side is Duty, one of the oldest factions, who has always viewed The Zone as a threat that must be contained and completely eradicated. On the opposite side, Freedom believes this land is a priceless gift to be explored and exploited for the common good. The fragile peace that temporarily held them together is now in danger of collapsing completely.

The expansion pack offers a massive, non-linear journey with dozens of hours of gameplay, allowing players to explore two entirely new areas. Players will have the chance to venture into the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, once abandoned and sealed off for decades, now beckoning stalkers again. In addition, the intricate mazes of the Iron Forest region conceal countless unexplored locations.

Each region possesses its own unique center, quest system, and activities. To survive against mutated species, anomalies, and countless lurking dangers, Skif will be equipped with a variety of new weapons and gear.

Notably, GSC Game World revealed that STALKER 2 expansions will be released in installments, with Cost of Hope serving as a pivotal chapter in the second trilogy. Combined with another future story DLC, this will create a promising new storyline for the entire STALKER universe. The original game is currently available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5. More details about this summer's release will be shared soon.